How the Academy Awards grew from a small, inconspicuous banquet affair into one of America's most anticipated events of the year.

We all have our favorite Oscar moments. Who could forget Sally Field's “You like me. You really like me!” acceptance speech? Or the streaker who surprised us all at the 46th Academy Awards in 1974? Then there are the more heart-touching moments, such as John Wayne's farewell appearance at the 1979 ceremony. Those fond memories and our celebrity-crazed curiosity keep us tuning in to the awards year after year. This year, in fact, marks the 75th time that Oscar has been handed out to honor the movies' best.

It's difficult to imagine the Academy Awards without the gossip, suspense and hype surrounding the event today — much less without being able to watch it on television. But the Oscars didn't always get so much attention.